Illinois Photographer of the Year portfolio: 2nd place

Debra holds onto Kya in her hospital bed as she waits to hear if they can go home after being at Rush University Medical Center longer than normal due to Kya's white blood cell counts being low. "She needs to be at home," Debra said.

Debra holds onto Kya in her hospital bed as she waits to hear if they can go home after being at Rush University Medical Center longer than normal due to Kya's white blood cell counts being low. "She needs to be at home," Debra said. (William DeShazer, Chicago Tribune)

Debra holds onto Kya in her hospital bed as she waits to hear if they can go home after being at Rush University Medical Center longer than normal due to Kya's white blood cell counts being low. "She needs to be at home," Debra said.